The cost includes: Hotels/lodges/guesthouses on twin-sharing basis in Bhutan and
Sikkim, three meals a day in Bhutan, breakfast and some lunches/dinners in Sikkim, overland travel from Bhutan to Sikkim, airport transfers including from Sikkim
to Bagdogra airport, guided sightseeing tours as mentioned, Bhutan visa fee, monastery and
Dzong entry fees on tour.

The cost does not include: International airfare including a possible flight from Paro to Bagdogra,
hotel and meals en route, meals other than those mentioned
above, drinks, items of a personal nature, Indian visa, airport
tax, optional guide tips, and travel insurance.

Bhutan blooms with life in Spring: forests come alive with birds and blossoms,
and in the courtyards of Paro Dzong, villagers sit entranced by the Tsechu masked ritual dances. On this special trip you too will
witness the dances for the deities, receive blessings, and rise early
to see the unfurling of a giant thangka (embroidered tapestry) at
sunrise.

April in Sikkim is the time of magnificent Rhododendron
blooms. Sikkim boasts 36 species of Rhododendron, some as tall
as 30-40 feet. Youll spend two days walking through Rhododendron
forests ablaze with boisterous blooms. Overnight in a cozy bungalow. Then travel by road to Sikkims first capital site, Yuksom,
where youll learn how the community is working to preserve
the environment and fulfill its dream of becoming a little Switzerland.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Paro, arrive mid-day.
Visit Kichu Lhakhang and the Drukgyel Dzong. Drive a short distance to Thimphu and overnight.

Day
2 - Sightseeing in Thimphu: Visit the Folk Heritage
and Textile museums, the government Secretariat, a papermaking factory and more. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day
3 - Punakha: Drive over Dochula (10,000 ft) and on to
Punakha Dzong, an impressive 17th century monastery/fortress. Take
an easy walk through farmfields to Chimi Lhakhang, home of the Divine
Madman, who is said to cure infertility! Overnight at Punakha/ Wangdi
Phodrang.

Day 4 -
Drive to Paro, stopping in Thimphu to shop for souvenirs. Overnight in Paro.

Day 5 -
Paro Tsechu: Attend the Tsechu, held in the
Paro Dzong courtyard. Dancers adorned in colorful silk robes, masks
and with swords dance in a trance to the crowds delight. A great
photo opp. Overnight Paro.

Day
6 -
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Next Monastery) . Day in Paro visitng the spectacular Tiger's Nest monastery and return to hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Day
7 - Fly Paro to Bagdogra and drive to Sikkim through the manicured tea gardens of North India. Overnight in South Sikkim.

Day
8 -
Drive to trailhead -- Hike through forests of Rhododendron: Stretch your legs on a half-day trek through the mid-hills, amidst
a breathtaking array of flowering Rhododendron trees! Delight in the
range of colors, shapes and sizes. Overnight in a comfortable lodge.

Day
9 -
Continue trekking through Sikkims flower wonderland: Overnight in a hotel in Pelling, with panoramic views of the Sikkim
Himalaya.

Note: for those who prefer, take a day hike into the Rhododendron forest rather than embark on the overnight journey. Or substitute another outing such as a homestay visit.

Day
10 -
Pemayangtse to Yuksom: Visit this premier Nyingma
monastery, Pemayangste, with its ornate carved wooden image of heaven.
Visit holy Khechepalri Lake, and drive an hour to Yuksom. Overnight
in lodge.

Day
11 -
Yuksom: Visit the coronation site of Sikkims
first Choegyal (King) and take a guided walk through the magnificent
forests of Kangchendzonga National Park. Learn about village conservation
in Yuksom. O/N Yuksom.